Norwegian unveils new baggage containers for transatlantic flights
Low-cost airline Norwegian is introducing new, lighter and stronger baggage containers on its Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. The new Zodiac AirCargo containers offer increased protection for passengers’ checked luggage on the airline’s award-winning low-cost long-haul flights.
Mishandled bags, including damaged luggage, cost the aviation industry $2.3 billion in 2015, the equivalent of 6.5 mishandled bags for every thousand passengers, according to SITA’s 2016 annual baggage report.
Norwegian, ranked the most fuel-efficient airline on transatlantic routes, will now use durable state-of-the-art Herculight S Endumax containers by Zodiac Aerospace. Weighing just 51kg, at least 37% less than traditional containers, the new equipment will help to reduce fuel burn on Norwegian’s 787 Dreamliners. The lighter weight of the aircraft also means that passengers can continue to benefit from affordable transatlantic fares while limiting the impact on the environment.
Bjørn Erik Barman-Jensen, Head of Norwegian Cargo, said, “It’s no secret that Norwegian has one of the greenest aircraft fleets in the skies. We have now taken it a step further by investing in new stronger and lighter containers that take weight off our aircraft and passengers’ shoulders by keeping their valuable contents even safer in the hold. As such, the new Zodiac Aerospace containers will also reduce our fuel bill which means we can continue to pass on additional cost savings to customers.”
Bart van Berkel, VP Sales of Zodiac Cabin Equipment, said, “We are extremely pleased to partner with Norwegian in bringing this new innovation to market, and in providing ongoing customer satisfaction. Our dedication to light weight, highly durable equipment is a great match with Norwegian’s admirable environmental policies.”
Passengers flying Norwegian to the US can already access affordable fares in economy class from £135 and attractive fares in the airline’s Premium cabin from £399. The airline now offers more than 35 direct transatlantic routes between the U.S. and Europe, more than any other European airline.
In the UK, Norwegian serves eight US destinations from Gatwick nonstop including Boston, Oakland-San Francisco and Las Vegas from 31 October. Over 75,000 transatlantic seats are now available to book on Norwegian’s website for travel from November 2016 to March 2017.
